Ao Nang Deputy Police Chief Lt Col Winai Poonsawas told The Phuket News this morning that the court reached its decision on October 17 that Apai Raingworchai, 28, was guilty for the sex attack on American Hannah Gavois on Sept 1 and that he had been imprisoned for five years.
“Apai was found guilty on the charges of sexual assault and assault causing serious injury. The court initially sentenced him to ten years in prison, however, because he confessed to the crime his sentence was reduced to five years,” said Lt Col Winai.
“The victim was not in court for the trial, however, this was not necessary as she had already given her statement before leaving the Kingdom,” he added.
Ms Gavois, a 23-year-old from Queens, New York, received treatment at Phuket International Hospital for weeks after breaking her spine hollowing a 45 metres fall down a mountain slope as she attempted to flee sex attacker Apai who she had hired as a local guide. (See story here.)
Meanwhile, the NY Daily News website has reported that Ms Gavois’ mother has confirmed that Ms Gavois is now walking again with special equipment
“Hannah is walking better with her custom foot braces that arrived last week," Gwen Gavios said. “Hannah’s recovery period is expected to last up to two years or more,” she said adding that she thanked friends, family and concerned strangers for their generosity in donating funds for Ms Gavois’ ongoing medical treatment.